Do you have advice for our upcoming 10 hour move with cats who hate the car?

Kristen,

My boyfriend and I have 2 cats that are a little over a year old, and we are planning a move 10 hours away. Our cats absolutely HATE the car. Just going 2 minutes down the road to the vet's office is a hassle. We have two pet carriers, but we are kind of apprehensive about using them for the long trip.

We bought harnesses and tried those out in the car by strapping them to the seat belts, but that just seemed to scare them more than the carriers.

We were thinking about getting one large mesh carrier and putting them both in it. Since they are brothers and have been together their whole life we think that it may relax them a little if they are together. We also like the mesh idea because they can see out, and it is more breathable than the plastic carriers.

My question is, do you have any advice on traveling with cats for that long? And what do you think of the one large carrier idea?

-Amanda

Hi Amanda!

It's not unusual for cats to dislike car rides--especially long ones! Your best bet is to transport them in a carrier, as you've mentioned. They may appreciate being together during what they will consider to be a stressful trip. As for the mesh carrier, your cats might do better if they can't see out so much. Less visual cues may be better in this situation. However, the breathable mesh is probably a more comfortable environment. You might try putting them both in the carrier together, then take them for a few 15-20 minute rides to get them acclimated to the carrier. This way, you can see how well they do in the carrier together before you embark on that 10 hour drive! I would also recommend that you consult with your veterinarian as he or she may be able to recommend a natural calming remedy or an anxiety reducing prescription solution for the kitties.